The families in our 2 safe houses are all on a very limited budget. To be able to help them have fun days both in the safe house and trips out would be great. To be able to buy more play equipment for the children would be amazing. We could get visiting farms to come to the houses, entertainers or hire a bouncy castle.
We have very limited resources for non essential items. During the evenings, weekends and school holidays it can be difficult to keep all of the children of different ages engaged. Both houses only have a domestic sized garden so smaller things to amuse the children and maybe encourage them to play together would really help.
Children who come to live in our safe houses have all fled desperate situations. Through play they can switch off from their trauma and enjoy what most children take for granted. Things like goalpost and paddling pools mean that children of different ages can participate in a game together.
To be able to buy/hire things that would not only improve their mental wellbeing but also their physical health would make such a difference. The school holidays can be a long time to amuse children on a very limited budget. Keeping children amused and engaged means that they are less likely to get into trouble.